Lorraine,

Are you out there? I have a question you may be able to help me out with?

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

I am here

Lorraine

Reach for the heart of God and not just His hands.
Organ donation saves lives!
Life happens when love is given.


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenwild

Hi Lorraine,

How's your little man doing? How did the trips b-day go?

Here is my question...Mackenzie has been on a complete dairy elimination diet for 14 days. Following that I had a consult with the ped. I explained that Mackenzie's poop has improved for the better in that the urgency and frequency have been GREATLY diminished. She has gone from pooping anywhere between 6-10 times a day to 1-2 a day. She hasn't had any more of the explosive kind of poop. She doesn't seem as distended. She doesn't tell me, "My tummy owie" anymore. And, after 3 1/2 YEARS, she is sleeping through the night for the first time(s). Many of her sensory problems are gone or greatly diminished. However, all of that being said, I reported that I still didn't think her poop was in the "normal" range. The texture has improved from explolsive, very runny to more like a pudding texture. She has had a few formed poops but usually not. The ped thinks the lining of her bowel may be damaged and recommends we continue with the 100% dairy free for another two weeks and see what happens. Following that two week marker, I have another consult. What do you think? Can you help me with some questions I should ask?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

Are you going to see a GI dr ? If you don't have an appt already, I would recommend you make one. Any pediatrician, no matter how good, can not possibly be as knowledgable as the specialists. You have to find a good specialists, but.. Are you positive that you have eliminated all casein ? -there are many many 'hidden' sources. I would also have her tested for celiac disease by the GI dr, and not the pediatrician. Unfortunately not even many of the GI drs in the US are very knowledgable about the correct testing to do for celiac. This is a great site to go to for info www.celiac.com . There are drs listed by state, who are recommended by others w/ celiac on the website.
If the lining of her intestines is damaged it can take many months to heal, even up to a year to fully heal. Sounds like you are on the right track, but need a little more testing to get the full picture.

One thing you need to be cautious about is if a dr (your ped or GI) says that she can't have celiac based on things like 'she is growing' or she doesn't have all the 'classic symptoms' because then they don't know what they are talking about. She many not have it but it is definately something she should be tested for. Milk (casein) proteins and gluten proteins are very similar (large) and often the first sign of celiac is a problem with milk products.

Lorraine

Reach for the heart of God and not just His hands.
Organ donation saves lives!
Life happens when love is given.


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenwild

Lorraine,

THANKS so much for all of your help. Following our next two week consult with the ped I am requesting a referral to a GI dr.

I think I am avoiding all casein, but sometimes I get confused.

Can you think of any "ok" snacks for her? I was filling out the preschool food allergy form and they requested a list of ok snacks and I was stumped after listing just one or two ideas. I am not really looking for fruits and veggie ideas, looking for something more like the other kids will be having - Mackenzie is 3 1/2.

Any "little kid" friendly snack ideas off the top of your head?

Thanks,

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

Here's a few off the top of my head, but they contain gluten- and therefore may not be the best choices (depending on gluten intolerance/celiac testing)

pretzels
bagels
fruit leather
some breakfast bars (a fair amt of them contain whey, so are not ok)

I have not had to think about casein free fooods for a while, but have become an expert in gluten free foods, if you want any ideas.

Lorraine

Reach for the heart of God and not just His hands.
Organ donation saves lives!
Life happens when love is given.


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenwild